Macula

The macula is a small, highly pigmented oval-shaped area near the center of the retina of the eye.

Location

The macula is situated at the posterior pole of the eye, which is the central part of the retina. It is directly opposite to the lens and is surrounded by the peripheral retina.

Structure

The macula consists of several layers of specialized cells, including photoreceptor cells called cones. These cones are responsible for central and color vision.

Function

The primary function of the macula is to provide central vision, which is crucial for tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and driving. It allows for acute visual discrimination and enables the perception of fine details.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a pathological condition that affects the macula, leading to a progressive loss of central vision. It is commonly associated with aging and is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50.